Question 1

what are pros cons of drug procrit (epoetin alfa) to treat 88 year-old man whose chronic leukemia is now becoming acute where he needs transfusions every two weeks?

Accepted Answer

Leukemia: This is a difficult dilemma answer even knowing all the facts, which we don't have in this forum. If the treatment side effects are mild and would help prevent the patient from having a routine blood transfusions then obviously this might be the better choice. Any treatment decisions would of course be that of the patient.  A family meeting with the attending physician and the patient might be a good way to solve this issue.

Question 2

do you need a script for epogen (epoetin alfa)?

Accepted Answer

Erythropoietin: Epogen (epoetin alfa) is a very expensive medication which can only be prescribed by a physician (usually a hematologist, oncologist, or nephrologist). Some insurance plans won't let the patient give it to themselves and instead insist that it be given in the doctor's clinic.

Question 3

i take procrit (epoetin alfa) about every two weeks, is there an alternative?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Longer acting forms of erythropoietic agents have been produced.  One is known as aranesp, (darbepoetin alfa) and is dosed every 3-4 weeks.

Question 4

epogen, (epoetin alfa) for which of the side effects would you change?

Accepted Answer

Any of them: Epogen (epoetin alfa) is associated very rarely with serious side effects, hypertension and seizures are reported. The drug should be reconsidered if these or any other side effects occur. These are new alternatives to epogen (epoetin alfa).

Question 5

do you know any information about epoetin alfa-epbx biosimilar 1000 units injections? trying to find out if these can make cancer progress. how fast it will progress and if there are any studies about this?

Accepted Answer

: I answered your question previously. This adverse effect of erythropoietin (Epogen, Procrit) and its related products (Aramesp, Retacrit) is suggested by several restrospective studies but nobody can prove to you the cancer progression with just 1,000 units weekly or three times a week. As a kidney doctor, I have use these synthetic hormones for many decades in patients with history of solid K.

Question 6

how common is to take epogen procrit (epoetin alfa) for kidney?

Accepted Answer

Depends on stage: In stage 4 and stage 5 (end stage) kidney diseases, Epogen (epoetin alfa) use is common, much more than in lighter stages. Of note, Epogen (epoetin alfa) (procrit) is not taken for kidneys but for anemia caused by kidney disease.

Question 7

do you know any information about epoetin alfa-epbx biosimilar 1000 units injections? trying to find out if these can make breast cancer progress. how fast it will progress and if there are any studies about this?

Accepted Answer

: That is a small dose of retacrit. Epogen and its related products such as retacrit can trigger the growth of solid tumors by studies; however, the risk is low compared with the benefits, especially at low doses. For many years, oncologists have used these products for combating anemia in cancer patients. For patients with advanced kidney disease, its use is a must for avoiding blood transfusion.

Question 8

i have anemia from ongoing hep c tx. may need procrit (epoetin alfa) injection. any dietary advice to build up hemoglobin levels and red/white cell counts?

Accepted Answer

No: There are no dietary changes that would help unless you also happened to have iron deficiency. I always check baseline iron studies prior to starting treatment to screen for this since anemia during treatment is so common.

Question 9

is it safe to take procrit (epoetin alfa) while pregnant or breast-feeding?

Accepted Answer

No: Procrit (epoetin alfa) (epogen) has not been adequately studied to determine if it is safe for breasteeding. If you are needing this drug though you may have other more serious medical issues. Your doctor would need to determine with you whether or not the benefits outweigh the theoretical risks.

Question 10

chronic anemia 13 yrs.  hepc 3+ yrs. can elevated igm 417 simply be the hep c or more likely a more serious blood issue? anemia treatd iv iron,procrit (epoetin alfa)

Accepted Answer

Get treated: The new medication for Hep C has proven to be effective for most subjects albeit on the expensive side. You need to consult your doctor to get this taken care. In fact, this may lead to resolution of some of your other problems.

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Doctor answers about:

Epoetin alfa medication

A member asked:

What are pros cons of drug procrit (epoetin alfa) to treat 88 year-old man whose chronic leukemia is now becoming acute where he needs transfusions every two weeks?

A member asked:

Do you need a script for epogen (epoetin alfa)?

A member asked:

I take procrit (epoetin alfa) about every two weeks, is there an alternative?

A member asked:

Epogen, (epoetin alfa) for which of the side effects would you change?

A member asked:

Do you know any information about epoetin alfa-epbx biosimilar 1000 units injections? trying to find out if these can make cancer progress. how fast it will progress and if there are any studies about this?

A member asked:

How common is to take epogen procrit (epoetin alfa) for kidney?

A member asked:

Do you know any information about epoetin alfa-epbx biosimilar 1000 units injections? trying to find out if these can make breast cancer progress. how fast it will progress and if there are any studies about this?

A member asked:

I have anemia from ongoing hep c tx. may need procrit (epoetin alfa) injection. any dietary advice to build up hemoglobin levels and red/white cell counts?

A member asked:

Is it safe to take procrit (epoetin alfa) while pregnant or breast-feeding?

A member asked:

Chronic anemia 13 yrs. hepc 3+ yrs. can elevated igm 417 simply be the hep c or more likely a more serious blood issue? anemia treatd iv iron,procrit (epoetin alfa)

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